Sunday Morning Series - Hope That Does Not Waver - Where Does Our Hope Come From?

Text: John 5:1-9, Mark 10:46-52

In the story of the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda, we note several things. He hopes to be the first one into the pool when the angel stirs the waters, but he didn't have anyone to help him. His faith was in having someone put him in the pool. After a long time of not receiving what we hope for, our expectations of it diminishes.

Jesus comes along and alters his hope to one that has no disappointment with it. Jesus bypassed the pool and healed him in an unexpected way.

On the other hand, Blind Bartimaeus had lots of faith but little hope of getting an audience with Jesus. With little hope that it will happen, he continues to beg. Hearing that Jesus is nearby, he cries out. Jesus is attracted by faith and has Bartimaeus brought to him. The man casts aside his beggar garment, essentially his meal ticket, and comes to Jesus. When questioned what he wants, he doesn't give excuses or a story. He tells Jesus he wants to receive his sight.

How can we keep both our hope and expectation levels high? Knowing what Christ did on the cross, can give us a boost (Isaiah 53:5). Believing what the Word says about healing (Psalms 107:20, Matthew 8:8, Luke 4:36) will help get us on the right track. The scripture also tells us we can call for the elders of the church, be anointed with oil, and the prayer of faith will bring healing (James 5:14-15, Matthew 9:35). In other parts of the New Testament, people were healed when Peter's shadow touched them. Clothes that touched Paul were laid on sick people, and they were healed. The last two examples come under the heading of "gifts of healings." Not everyone operates in these gifts.

Your focus should not be on the method of healing, but on possessing hope and expectation built from the Word. You can't come to God casually and receive healing.

For the entire message, check out the Sermon Player on our website. If you're in the area, we're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church telephone number is (215) 343-7686.